MetLife
Boat Safety Tips
Boating Accidents
You Are Responsible
As the operator of a vessel you are required
by law to file a formal, written report of an accident. There
are four conditions that require you to fill out and send
in a boating accident report.
A boating accident report must be
filed when...
- A life is lost due to the accident.
- Someone is injured and requires
medical attention beyond first aid.
- There is damage by or to the vessel
and other property.
- Any person on board a vessel disappears
(under circumstances indicating possible death or injury).
Boating Accidents Include:
Capsizing
Falls Overboard
Collisions
Sinking/Flooding
Explosions
Disappearance
Fire
* Damage is determined by federal regulation
to be reportable when it exceeds $500 or there is complete
loss of the vessel (Note: many states have set a limit less
than $500 - contact the local boating authority to determine
the amount).
- You just ran your beautiful
boat into a submerged rock and put a hole in your
hull. No one is hurt, but you estimate boat repairs
will cost about $800.
- Your boat took on water and
flooded overnight. Repairs for the damage cost $350.
Must you file an accident report
in these scenarios? If you do, do you know how? Would
you know where? |
Reports Must Be Filed Within...
- 48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within one
day (24 hours of the accident).
- 48 hours if a person is injured and medical treatment
beyond first aid is required.
- 10 days if there is only damage to the vessel and/or property.
All serious injuries and loss of
life must be reported to local authorities immediately!
Who Must Fill Out The Form?
The form is usually filled out by the operator
of the boat unless the operator is physically unable to complete
the form. If that is the case, then the owner of the vessel
must submit the form.
To obtain the forms and report the accident,
call the State Boating Law Administrator where the vessel
number was issued, or the state where the casualty or accident
occurred if different.
If you need assistance in locating where
to call within each state or territory, or reporting an accident,
call the Coast Guard Infoline.
Why Must A Report Be Filed?
The information you supply is used to develop
safety regulations and manufacturing standards for the benefit
of the boating public. The information is also used in boating
safety education programs and other boating safety initiatives.
Without good data, a boating safety hazard might be completely
overlooked and other boaters could be hurt or killed.
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